18
JILLIE
Over the weekend I unpacked, washed the clothes that needed to be washed, and put everything away. This is my home now—at least until college.
When Leo went home yesterday, I went online and ordered some pretty things for the walls in my room. I hadn’t wanted to decorate knowing I’d be leaving, but now I’m not. Even if Dad is still alive, I don’t think I would leave. Maybe he could get stationed out here orretire. I think I’d beg him to retire.
I feel really hot. Maybe I just need to adjust to the heat again. Maybe I’m getting sick. I’m exhausted and I haven’t really done much. Sounds like sick to me. Ugh.
It’s Sunday evening, and I haven’t heard from Leo all day.
I look at Audrey. “Is it weird that I haven’t heard from Leo all day?”
Audrey looks up from the magazine she’s thumbing through, her brows knit. “Kinda. Did you text him at all?”
“Just once today. He said he had a family thing last night, so I didn’t want to intrude.”
Isla cringes. “It’s weird.”
I sigh. “I knew it. Think it’s because I met his parents? Maybe he’s freaking out over it?”
“Hmm,” Audrey murmurs. “It’s possible.”
Isla hands me my phone. “Text him again. Maybe he just didn’t see it.”
Yeah, sure. He didn’t see it. Right. More like he’s ignoring me.Thisis what I’ve been afraid of… going all-in and him pulling back.
Jillie:Hey, Leo. Whatcha up to?”
Isla nods. “That’s good. Keep it light.”
They keep paging through their magazines while I pretend to be reading my book. I can’t concentrate.
“Something’s off,” I say aloud, then start to cough. I don’t need a cold right now. I just don’t.
“Maybe, but what?” Audrey asks.
“I don’t know. He was fine when he dropped me off yesterday.”
“Maybe he’s sick. You sound like you’re getting sick, too,” Isla offers.
I nod. “Maybe. I guess we’ll see.”
